Wireless transfer of large format entertainment data – music, video, and photos – between devices at short range is imminent. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today announced a new way it will provide for consumers’ growing need for speed.

The Bluetooth SIG is developing an innovative method of radio substitution. It will allow the well known Bluetooth protocols, profiles, security and pairing to be used in consumer devices while achieving faster throughput with momentary use of a secondary radio already present in the device. This architecture, called ‘Alternate MAC/PHY’ by Bluetooth SIG members working on the specification, is taking on a two-phased approach as SIG member companies drive the specification forward.

“This is the wireless technology equivalent of ‘low hanging fruit,’” said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director, the Bluetooth SIG. “What we’re doing is taking classic Bluetooth connections – using Bluetooth protocols, profiles, security and other architectural elements – and allowing it to jump on top of the already present 802.11 radio, when necessary, to send bulky entertainment data, faster. When the speed of 802.11 is overkill, the connection returns to normal operation on a Bluetooth radio for optimal power management and performance.”

In 2006, the Bluetooth SIG announced the selection of the WiMedia Alliance brand of ultra wideband technology as a high speed channel for Bluetooth technology. This development work continues between the two organizations in advance of widespread ultra wideband technology adoption – expected to be co-located in many Bluetooth devices. In the meantime, however, the SIG will make use of IEEE 802.11, a technology already present in many of the devices demanding greater speeds.More